 Author: Janine Rosche Genre: Contemporary Romance Pages: 336 Release Date: May 21, 2024 Publisher: Revell How far would you go to fix the mistakes you've made and regain the trust you lost? For Jade Jessup, the answer is 2,448 miles. Once one of Chicago's significant financial advisors, Jade lost her credibility when her fiancé (and coworker) stole millions of dollars from their clients in a Ponzi scheme. Now she's agreed to help one of them--an aging 1960s Hollywood starlet named Berenice "Benny" Alderidge--seek financial restoration. Jade sets off along Route 66 with Benny and her handsome adult foster son, Bridger, who is filming a documentary retracing the 1956 trip that started the love story between Benny and her recently deceased husband, Paul. Listening to Benny recount her story draws Jade into memories of her own darker association with Route 66, when she was kidnapped as a child by a man the media labeled a monster--but she remembers only as daddy. Together, all three of these pilgrims will learn about family, forgiveness, and what it means to live free of the past. But not before Jade faces a second staggering betrayal that changes everything.
 Reviewer: Raechel Helwig This book immediately drew my attention as soon as I picked it up, and it kept me glued to the pages and characters the entire time. The Road Before Us was my first read by author Janine Rosche, but it won't be my last. I love her writing style and how she gets so much heart and depth across the page, even while handling delicate situations with great care. I really enjoyed how we got chapters that flashed back to Benny's story in the 1950s, as well as part of Jade's story in 2003. And they all tied so well to the present-day story, with each chapter interweaving with the next. The characters were my favorite part. They were so real and raw. Each had their own story worth telling, and I loved getting to be a part of it. The banter (and all-around relationship) between Jade and Bridger was so fun. I loved their dynamics. And Benny was a true sweetheart as well. The journey down Route 66 was engrossing, and it really felt like we, as the readers, were invited personally to experience it right alongside these characters. There were some good moments of faith sprinkled throughout. Nothing super big or main-story-line, but it was still included, which I appreciated, even if I would have liked it even more. There was a lot of heartbreak throughout the novel. None of the characters had it easy. But I thought the author handled it all with grace and realness, and I applaud her for that. I love deeper books that are enjoyable to read and easy to get into. "Maybe this is how we go on in a harsh world that tries to tear us apart, by reminding each other of the good." This book was provided courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts expressed were entirely my own. Reviewer: Marie Edwards After reading Rosche’s previous Revell release, With Every Memory (2023), I knew she was an author I needed to watch. My mother grew up not far from Amboy, California, which was a stop on Route 66. In 2015, we took a small trip to Kingman, Arizona, another Route 66 stop. It had an emotional draw before I even opened the book. The Disney/Pixar film Cars (2006) brought attention to the rise and fall of the historic road and highlighted dilapidated towns like Amboy. There is a reference to the movie and characters in the book as well. The road is immortalized in the song “Get Your Kicks on Route 66." Originally performed by The King Cole Trio, made popular by Chuck Barry, and performed by John Mayer for Cars. Rosche doesn’t shy away from sensitive topics. This book includes mentions of dementia, stillborn birth, domestic violence, racism, the Samoan adoption scandal of the early 2000’s, the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma (Jade was born 4/5/1995), parental kidnapping, electroshock therapy, the PTSD of returning vets, and the treatment of POWs. This is not a book for sensitive or easily traumatized readers. Rosche takes readers on a journey with the three main characters in first-person POVs. Jade’s voice is used for the present-day and 2003 storylines. Benny tells the story of 1956. At first, I didn’t understand the 2003 timeline relevance, but it is made clear with a huge reveal in the story. That was the biggest shock. I wouldn’t have seen it coming if it’d been in neon lights. I honestly couldn’t stop reading the book. The prologue begins with where the story will meet itself around the 95% mark. It starts off like a sweet memory drive down 66, but turns into something else in multiple ways. There are some sweet and tender moments. One example is near the beginning, where Jade and Bridger are “conversing” with songs by the Eagles. The Eagles are one of my favorite bands. There are other past and present pop and iconic references (movies, music, certain actors) in this book. To be honest, this was quite an emotional read for me. I cried, but I also laughed. The Road Before Us is a deeply poignant, highly emotional, stunning, and reflective tribute to those who’ve traveled before us. A story filled with as much hope as it is with sadness. It is also a tribute to the Mother Road, which influenced a lot of dreams and paved the way for the future. For my honest opinion, I received a complimentary copy from Revell via Interviews & Reviews. Reviewer: Linda Klager I was attracted to this book because of the travel down the famous Route 66! I have not seen all the sites along this road, but I would very much like to one day. Jade Jessup was accused of stealing money from older people's retirement funds. Her fiance was with another man, and they were responsible for preying on people's financial stability. When Jade found out about this scheme, she immediately called off the wedding. One of the clients was a former movie star, Berniece (Benny) Alderidge. She and her foster child, Bridger, asked Jade to help them drive Route 66 to retrace Benny and her boyfriend/husband Paul's journey when moving from Chicago to Los Angeles in the 1950s. Benny was mourning the death of her dear husband, Paul. She was also suffering from memory loss. I enjoyed all the various stops along the way. It was very interesting to learn more about the back stories of Jade, Benny, and Bridger. Many subjects and struggles were highlighted. Among these were child kidnapping, abuse, and all kinds of falsehoods. Jade had a close relationship with her father. She even learned how to work on cars. Their appreciation of classic cars was very evident. I received a copy of this book from Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Lori Parrish I thought this story was wonderful! It was a journey that I very much enjoyed and appreciated, and I couldn't put this fantastic adventure down! Jade had a story to tell me and wouldn't let me go until the end. In fact, I'm still thinking about her and all that she went through. "Benny" is a pretty cool character, too. I've never been on Route 66, but now I have through this heartfelt story. Rosche has done a marvelous job with even the toughest of subjects. Some that will melt the hardest of hearts. I'm giving this novel 5 stars for a job well done and for keeping me engaged throughout the book. I highly recommend it! I received a complimentary copy from Revell via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin
Wow! This book blew me away! It's more than just a road trip on Route 66. It's a lesson in history, love, loss, forgiveness, and second chances! There are also some sensitive issues like kidnapping, an adoption scandal, a bombing, a massacre, racism, PTSD, sexual harassment, and the treatment of POWs. These issues are pertinent to the time period. The cast of characters is brilliantly written! It's really hard for me to narrow down a favorite. Bridger is the one that touched my heart the most. He had a very traumatic childhood. His biggest challenge is forgiving himself. He loves completely with his whole heart. He's compassionate and caring. Jade's story is also heartbreaking. She has trouble trusting because of past relationships. To see her heal as the book progresses is inspiring! The author's writing is what makes her books extraordinary! I connect immediately with the characters and their stories. I honestly didn't want this book to end! A definite must-read! I was provided with a complimentary copy of the book from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Leave a Reply. |
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